Is Dry Shampoo Bad for Your Hair? An Esthetician Weighs In

Dry shampoo can be a serious timesaver on days when you don’t have time to wash your hair. Just apply, massage it in, and, almost like magic, your hair looks and smells fresh and ready for a new day. 

But does this convenience come at a cost? Is dry shampoo bad for your hair, or is it safe to use? The answer depends on what’s in your dry shampoo and how you use it. 

Is dry shampoo bad for your hair?

When used as recommended, dry shampoo usually isn't bad for your hair. In fact, it can help prevent over washing, which can damage your hair. Dry shampoo can also help to temporarily increase your hair’s volume and give it some texture, which may make it easier to style.

However, there are some factors to consider:

• Frequency of use: Dry shampoo can help freshen hair between washes. But it isn’t meant to take the place of regular shampooing. Overusing dry shampoo can lead to hair and scalp dryness and scalp irritation. The reasons for this vary. But many dry shampoos contain alcohol, which can be drying.

• Contact time: Leaving dry shampoo on for too long can lead to hair shedding and breakage. It can also contribute to seborrheic dermatitis, a scalp condition that causes flakiness, greasiness, and red patches on the scalp.

• Ingredients: Some brands contain potentially harmful ingredients that can be bad for your hair, scalp, and overall health.

Dry shampoo ingredients to avoid

When choosing a dry shampoo, there are certain ingredients and types of packaging that you’re best off avoiding.

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Fragrance

Fragrance is one of the biggest red flags to look out for on dry shampoo labels. This is because the term “fragrance” is often a catch-all designation that includes many types of chemical ingredients. And, because the fragrances are proprietary, companies don't have to fully disclose what's in them. 

Fragrance often contains endocrine-disrupting chemicals. This means the chemicals can mimic, block, or otherwise interfere with your natural hormones. Even in low doses, these chemicals can have effects on your health, including: 

• Weight gain 

• Blood sugar imbalances

• Cognitive problems 

• Fertility issues

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Fragrance is one of the most common allergens found in hair products, including dry shampoos. When using products with fragrance, some people may develop contact dermatitis — an itchy rash caused by direct contact with an allergen. Other people may experience headaches and breathing difficulties.

Aerosol packaging

When you use a dry shampoo packaged as an aerosol spray, the negative health effects — from fragrance or any other chemical ingredients — can be compounded. This is because aerosol products release more particles into the air than other kinds of sprays. So, when you use aerosol products, you’re likely to inhale whatever is in them. 

This includes compressed gasses — like propane, isobutane, or butane — which are present in most, if not all, aerosol-based products. These gasses are categorized as carcinogens (ingredients that can cause cancer). And, when these ingredients sit on the sensitive skin of the scalp, they may also cause irritation.

Dry shampoo ingredients to look for

On the flip side, there are some ingredients that you actually want in your dry shampoo. Here’s what to keep your eye out for.

Starch

To be effective, a dry shampoo must contain an ingredient that has oil-absorbing abilities. This is what makes your hair feel fresher and cleaner. Some of the best options are:

• Starch (tapioca or rice)

• Clay

• Charcoal

• Baking soda

• Arrowroot powder

Hair- and scalp-nourishing ingredients

Ingredients that condition and strengthen your hair aren't absolutely necessary for the dry shampoo to work. But, if you’re going to use dry shampoo, it’s better to deliver some health benefits to your hair and scalp than not. 

Some options include:

• Kaolin: This clay helps remove product buildup from other hair products and helps absorb excess oil and dirt.

• Pomegranate extract: This contains nutrients and antioxidants that can help protect color-treated hair, promote hair growth, and prevent dandruff.

• Essential oils: Essential oils can give dry shampoo a fresh scent without the endocrine disruption and/or allergens that can come with synthetic fragrances. Some, like lavender oil, may even have health benefits, such as helping with hair growth.

Who can use dry shampoo?

Everyone can use dry shampoo. But there are some people who may find it especially beneficial, including those with:

• Oily hair: Dry shampoo can help control excess oil to keep hair looking fresh, so you don't have to wash it every day.

• Fine hair: In addition to soaking up excess dirt and oil, dry shampoo can give fine, limp hair more volume, especially if you tease your roots a little after applying it.

• Color-treated hair: Dry shampoo can reduce how often you need to wash your hair. Since washing hair too often can cause color to fade faster, dry shampoo can help extend the life of the color treatment.

• Mobility or other health issues: If you have difficulty showering for whatever reason, dry shampoo can be a great way to keep your hair fresh in between regular washes.

• An on-the-go lifestyle: If you have a packed daily schedule, dry shampoo can help you freshen up without needing to shower. It's also great for those who travel a lot and may not always be able to wash their hair when they'd like to.

How often should you use dry shampoo?

Despite the name, dry shampoo isn't a substitute for regular shampoo. It uses starches to soak up excess oil and give the hair a cleaner appearance. But it doesn't actually clean the hair.

It’s best to use dry shampoo no more than three times per week, in between regular washes. Try to alternate days, too, and use dry shampoo for no more than two days in a row. 

As mentioned above, if you use it too often and for too many days in a row, the ingredients can build up on your scalp. This can potentially cause irritation. It’s important to use regular shampoo to remove the dry shampoo on your hair and scalp. You may find it helpful to double cleanse or use a clarifying shampoo once a week, especially if you've used dry shampoo on consecutive days.

How to use dry shampoo

Dry shampoo comes in different forms. Aerosol sprays are most common, but you can also find pump and powder versions. The exact application process will differ a bit depending on the formulation you choose. But, generally, this is how it works:

1. Shake. Start by shaking the bottle. 

2. Separate your hair. Part your hair or separate it into sections, exposing the areas that look oily.

3. Apply. If using a spray, hold the can 6 to 12 inches away from your scalp. Spray the areas you want to coat. You don't want to saturate hair — just apply a light coating. If using a powder or a pump, apply the dry shampoo directly to your hair using your hands or an application brush (if included). 

4. Massage. Massage the dry shampoo into your roots, letting it sit for about one to two minutes to absorb excess oil.

5. Brush. Brush out your hair, making sure to adequately cover the areas where you applied the dry shampoo. Brushing removes excess product and helps distribute the powder, so your hair doesn't look chalky.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Lindsay Boyers, CHNC

Lindsay Boyers, CHNC, is a functional nutritionist, licensed esthetician, writer, and editor with over a decade of experience in evidence-based health, wellness, and skincare writing.

Edited by:

Meredith Grace Merkley, DO, FAAP

Dr. Merkley is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician who has over a decade of experience working in community health. She is currently a National Health Services Corp scholar, and is serving as the medical director of a school-based health clinic at a federally funded health center.

Reviewed by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

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